According to The Guardian, Joyce Banda, the president of Malawi, is furious at her public relations department for issuing the statement, which launched a scathing attack on the singer, without her knowledge. It accused her of demanding VIP treatment when she visited the country last week and suggesting that she was using the fact that she adopted two children from the impoverished African country as "blackmail".

The press officer who wrote the statement has reportedly admitted: "Oops, I goofed, the president is mad with me" in a leaked email. The purported author of the email has reportedly denied any knowledge of it.

A source close to the president revealed: "It looks like she was not consulted on this, nor did the press team realise the implications of their action in picking up a fight with Madonna." Another source describes Banda as "incandescent with anger" over the mix-up.

Madonna's supporters claim the statement was sparked after the singer sacked the president's sister, Anjimile Mtila-Oponyo, as head of her charity in the country.

Earlier today, Madonna said she was "saddened" that Banda released "lies about what we've accomplished, my intentions, how I personally conducted myself while visiting Malawi and other untruths. I have no intention of being distracted by these ridiculous allegations," she said.